Inverness 20mph limits; Highland recycling and Gaelic in business
Could recycling be easier?
Over the weekend, I read a book review of a dispiriting newly released title Waste Wars: Dirty Deals, International Rivalries and the Scandalous Afterlife of Rubbish by Alexander Clapp about recycling and where waste really goes.
It made me consider two things: Where does our recycling in Inverness and the Highlands really go once it's been processed and sorted? How much of what we re-cycle in our bins actually is reused for the UK?
Then on one further thought - Why is recycling so hard? For a start, there are different bins with a monthly collection each, meaning I have to diarise which bin goes out when, possibly like many readers.
Then there's glass recycling that can't be done at home. And if you don't have a car, then you're sort of scuppered, unless a helpful neighbour or friend offers to take it away for you. Finally, there's the soft plastic recycling that can't be done at home - instead, you traipse a large bag of flimsy plastic to a supermarket recycling bin in the hope it gets reused rather than incinerated.
Does it really have to be so 'bitty' and complex to recycle effectively in the Highlands?
James Rorison
Inverness
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20mph limits ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’
Courier columnist Colin Campbell pondered whether all the new 20mph limits introduced across the Highlands are in the right areas.
“Typical example of costly tinkering in the areas it can change by a devolved government. Cross reference with the ridiculous 20mph limits imposed by the Welsh government which have now been rescinded. Expect the same waste of taxpayers’ money on new road signs with minimal impact on road safety.” - Mark Simpson, Nairn
Firms urged to use Gaelic for growth
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged to explore how they can integrate Gaelic into their plans for growth.
“In the article Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes states: ‘Gaelic is a unique selling point...’. Many visitors to the Highlands are attracted here in the first place by hospitality, scenery, AND unique Scots Gaelic place and mountain names.” - Ewan Macintyre
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